More on Literary Awakenings

I’ve been a bit obsessed with the baby’s literary awakening. Partly because I’ve already had to read High Five to both kids this morning and partly because I’m a writer. Naturally, whenever I sit down at my keyboard, I want everyone to be able to identify with what I write, regardless of if I’m working on a piece about cell phone technology or a short story. I want everyone to be interested, but I know that not everyone has the same interests.

I am curious, though, how some of us have our first favourite book in early childhood and some of us don’t have it until we’re almost teenagers. Although, I suppose it’s worse not to have one at all.

I asked some other bloggers about their first favourite books and was amazed at how detailed their memories were.

Baldman, better known as My Name is Mommy’s husband, said his first favourites were the Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel. The series is for early readers, which I assume means that little Baldman found the stories sophisticated enough that the mechanics of reading felt less difficult to someone who had just learned how to sound words out.

The blog title makes it easy to see the influence reading The Little Prince had on Maricar of Keeping the Castle. I can remember being moved by the book as a child too. Understanding the sadness of loneliness and the quest for love is deeply universal and I think it stirs empathy up in young people.

Cyndi at Layers Upon Layers mentioned the animal stories of Thornton Burgess. I don’t know these books at all, but I do know that animal stories always make children aware that they are charing the same planet with billions and billions of other creatures.

Tammy at Jewelry and Beading used to drive her mother crazy with repeated readings of The Three Little Ponies. Does anyone else remember this book? The only references I can find to it online lead to toy marketing or sales sites for the other little ponies. EDIT: Thanks to Jo for her comment. She thinks the book is actually called Three Little Horses. That’s the problem with childhood memories. They are often about feelings and impressions, not facts. Thank goodness for that.

Sheila at Medium Dreams‘ favourite is out of print too. Did you read The Seven League Boots?
Luckily, Angela’s favourite was easy to find. As a child she drove her parents crazy with the ever-popular Green Eggs and Ham. I am thinking of getting it for my four year-old, but I am slightly frightened of how often I may have to read it to him and there is no way my husband will spell me off. He hasn’t forgiven Dr. Seuss for the lessons in naughtiness he feels our son gleaned from The Cat in the Hat .

Although, I find it difficult to believe that our son learned anything from the cat. In my experience his innate naughtiness is far more original.

There is no guarentee that just because a children’s book is hugely popular that it will appeal to your child. The only way you can help your child find his or her first favourite is to read as many different books as possible as frequently as possible. And, the best way to do that is to visit your local library. I loved our central library so much as a child that I worked there in high school and whenever I’m home, I love to go back and read to my children there.
Which of these books do you remember? Do you plan to read (or are you already reading) your own favourite books to your children?